Last Name Tarallo

The surname Tarallo is of Italian origin and is derived from a place-name in southern Italy. Specifically, it is believed to originate from Tarantella, a small town located in the province of Caserta, Campania region, in the southwestern part of Italy. This town name comes from the Greek word "Taras" which means "rock", likely due to its rocky terrain. The surname Tarallo may have been originally given to someone who was from this area or to someone who had some association with it. Over time, as families migrated and settled in other regions, variations of the name emerged, such as Tarrallo, Tarollo, and others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tarallo

The meaning and origin of the last name Tarallo

The surname Tarallo is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Taraldo or Tarlato. These names are believed to have originated from a short form of the Byzantine Greek name Theodorakios, which was brought to Italy by the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire's influence. The name was subsequently Italianized to Tarallo, with the addition of the suffix "-o" or "-oli," indicating that it was given to someone's son or descendant.

Historically, the Tarallo surname has been most prevalent in southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Apulia and Calabria. The name's concentration in these areas suggests a possible Norman or Greek origin, as both of these cultures had significant influence over the region during the Middle Ages. However, it is important to note that the exact origins of many Italian surnames are often difficult to pinpoint due to the complex historical factors that contributed to their development and spread.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tarallo

The last name Tarallo is predominantly Italian in origin, with the highest concentration of bearers found in regions such as Calabria, Sicily, and Campania. Calabria, in particular, has a significant number of individuals bearing this surname due to its historical ties with the Greek Byzantine Empire. The last name Tarallo can also be found in smaller numbers in other parts of Italy, as well as in regions with large Italian diaspora populations, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. It is less common, but not absent, in other countries, reflecting historical migration patterns. For instance, some families bearing the name Tarallo can be traced to Spain, France, or Malta due to past marriages or migrations between these regions and Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tarallo

The surname Tarallo has several variations and spellings, reflecting different regional dialects and transcription errors over time. The most common variants include Taralli, Tarali, Tarrallo, Taraldo, and Taraldi. These variations are primarily found among Italian-speaking populations, particularly in regions such as Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, and Apulia where the name originated. Additionally, due to historical migration patterns, Tarallo and its variants can also be found in other countries with significant Italian diaspora, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. It is important to note that spelling variations may arise from differences in local dialects, transcription errors, or even changes made by immigrants adapting to new languages and cultural norms.

Famous people with the last name Tarallo

The Tarallo surname is not particularly renowned for having many globally recognized figures associated with it, but there are some notable individuals who share this name. One of them is Giuseppe Tarallo, an Italian politician and lawyer, born in 1961. He served as the president of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia from 2014 to 2019. In the world of music, Salvatore Tarallo, also known as Salvo, is a celebrated pianist and composer who was born in Sicily in 1965. He has gained international acclaim for his performances and compositions that fuse classical and contemporary styles. Another notable figure is Angela Tarallo, an Italian actress who has appeared in numerous films and TV series since the late 1980s. Her most notable roles include Caterina Sforza in "The Borgias" and Maria Stuarda in "Elisabetta I". While these individuals are not household names worldwide, they have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Tarallo

The Tarallo surname originates from Italy, specifically the region of Calabria and Sicily. It is thought to be of Norman-French or Lombard origin, derived from the personal names Tarellus, Terellus, or Therrellus, which were brought to Southern Italy during the Normans' conquest in the 11th century. The surname has variants such as Taraglio, Taraglia, and Tirallo. Notable individuals bearing this name include Giuseppe Tarallo, an Italian politician and senator from Calabria; Vincenzo Tarallo, a composer and conductor; and numerous other figures in various fields throughout Italy and its diaspora. Genealogical research on the Tarallo family can be traced through civil records, church archives, and historical documents in both Italy and countries where Italian immigrants settled.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Tarallo"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025

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